Staff
Owners
Debra Erickson, MA, LIMHP, LADC, CCTP
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Debra is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Therapist, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She completed her Associate of Arts in Business Management Degree at Central Community College. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Human Services Administration through Bellevue University and her Master of Arts in Counseling Degree from Doane College. Debra currently works with all age groups helping clients with a wide range of issues and mental illnesses. She currently specializes in helping clients move through past and present trauma and grief with her training in Trauma Resolution techniques.
Accepts the following insurances: Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare All Savers, BCBS, Aetna, Medica, Midlands Choice, Emerald, UMR, Ambetter, Cigna, Medicare, Health Partners, Regional Care Inc, Mid American Benefits, Meritain Health, Optum and Bright Health. |
Jordan Hofmann, MA, LIMHP, CPC
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Jordan is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Therapist with Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She received her Associate of Arts Degree from Central Community College and her Bachelor of Human Relations Degree from Doane College where she went on to receive her Master of Arts in Counseling Degree. She currently enjoys working with all age groups assisting clients with a wide range of issues and mental illnesses. Clients in the adolescent age group as those seeking help with relationships are Jordan's focus as she has extensive previous experience in the geriatric setting and a youth treatment center. She also works often with couples in relationship and marital counseling using several methods including work with the the Love and Respect model and the 5 Love Languages.
Accepts the following insurances: Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare All Savers, BCBS, Aetna, Medica, Midlands Choice, Emerald, UMR, Ambetter, Cigna, Medicare, Health Partners, Regional Care Inc, Mid American Benefits, Meritain Health, Optum and Bright Health. |
Providers
Alexis Bloomfield, MSEd, PLMHP
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Alexis is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. In 2018, she received her Bachelor’s degree with a major in Family Studies and a minor in Sociology. In 2022, she received her Master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Since 2013, she has worked closely with clients of all ages, utilizing her strong background in child development to understand how past experiences shape present day challenges. Alexis focuses on helping clients identify their strengths and helping them find personalized coping mechanisms.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan |
Janet Jurgensen Duba, MSN, NP, FNP-BC
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Janet is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic who sees a variety of people. She has cared for an underserved population with chronic illness and addiction issues. Janet was one of the first Nurse Practitioners in Nebraska to have an independent practice. She also was the Director of Patient Care Services, Memorial Hospital in Seward, NE. Janet started a skilled health unit, hospital- based daycare, she did physician and nursing recruitment, and remodelling of surgery and radiology. Janet is a special part of the Grand Island Mental Health family as she once stood beside Debra Erickson at the start of it all.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan |
Cassandra Leow, Ph.D, LIMHP, LMFT
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Cassandra is a telehealth only, Marriage and Family Therapist at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic who provides services from Rapid City, South Dakota. Prior to moving to South Dakota in December 2023, she was a Marriage and Family Therapist in Lincoln, Nebraska. She is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in both South Dakota and Nebraska and is able to provide therapy services to clients in either state. Cassandra is a graduate of the Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy program (2018) and a graduate of the Doctorate in Global Family Health and Wellbeing (2022) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She previously worked with individuals, couples and families at the Couple and Family Clinic at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed an internship with Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, Nebraska and at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska. Cassandra works primarily with individuals and couples over a variety of issues. She incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in her work. Cassandra is originally from Malaysia and completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology in Malaysia. She came to Lincoln, NE (and to the United States for the first time!) in August 2016.
Accepts the following insurances: Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare All Savers, BCBS, Aetna, Medica, Midlands Choice, Emerald, UMR, Ambetter, Cigna, Medicare, Health Partners, Regional Care Inc, Mid American Benefits, Meritain Health, Optum and Bright Health. |
Cierra Brunello, MSEd, PLMHP
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Cierra is a Telehealth-only Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney with her Bachelors Degree in Communication Disorders in May 2021 and her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in August of 2024. She has previous experience working with individuals from ages 11+ with mental, behavioral, physical, and intellectual disorders/disabilities, but is excited to focus on more of the mental health aspect. Cierra enjoys working with primarily adults who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. She is also an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan |
Laurie Robinson, PLADC, Community Support Specialist
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Laurie is a Provisionally Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor and one of our Community Support Specialists here at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She received her education in Human Services and Drug and Alcohol Counseling from Central Community College. She has over 31 years of experience in advocacy, behavior management, and case management. She does drug and alcohol evaluations, substance abuse therapy, and works one-on-one with our clients to help them become established and participating members of their communities by helping them set and meet goals based on a five-stage model of needs. The assistance she provides our clientele is crucial to their overall success and the impact she makes on their lives is priceless.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan |
Lauren Schenck, MSW, LIMHP, LCSW
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Lauren is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Clinical Social Worker at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She obtained her Bachelors in Communication from Wayne State College and Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2019. Lauren has 10 years of experience in the mental health field working with various populations and locations, including inpatient psychiatric hospital, emergency mental health, medical trauma, and long-term care. Lauren enjoys working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness, as well as trauma, grief, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. Lauren is an executive member of the Heartland CASA Board, a member of the Eating Disorder Network of Nebraska, and Grand Island Young Professionals.
Accepts the following insurances: Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare All Savers, BCBS, Aetna, Medica, Midlands Choice, Emerald, UMR, Ambetter, Cigna, Medicare, Health Partners, Regional Care Inc, Mid American Benefits, Meritain Health, Optum and Bright Health. |
Jessica Schuster, MSEd, PLMHP
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Jessica is a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. In 2020, she received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a major in Family Studies and a minor in Health Sciences. In 2023, she received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Jessica enjoys working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. She enjoys working with all ages and offers both in-office and telehealth options.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. |
Drew Steinhauer, MSW, PLMHP, PMSW
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Drew is a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic providing mental health care to the geriatric population. Drew graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2020 with a Bachelor's in Social Work, and received his Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2022. Drew has four years of experience as a Hospice Social Worker. Drew specializes in working with clients who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. |
Christina Tipken, PLMHP
Prior to adding counseling to her resume, Christina spent over 10 years working in the school system, working with youth in various capacities, with the blind community, and other human service areas. These experiences led her to discover a heart for helping others with the challenges that hamper areas of their lives. She takes an approach that considers how our past may be affecting our present ways of being and relating. Through this, new ways of being and relating must be discovered and created. Thereby leading to relief of symptoms and improved quality of relationships. She is provisionally licensed and enjoys working with clients of all ages. She is available solely via telehealth during afternoon and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.
Emma Todd, PLMHP
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Emma is a telehealth only, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Professional (PLMHP). Emma is also working on obtaining her license in Iowa to broaden the reach of clients. She recently graduated with her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wayne State College. Whether you're located in Nebraska or Iowa, she enjoys being able to meet the client where they are at since all services are online. Emma has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, postpartum depression and OCD in ages 16+ and she has a heart working for women. She believes in a holistic way of healing that not only involves emotional, mental, and physical health, but also spiritual. Emma likes to use cognitive behavioral techniques to reframe negative thinking patterns.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. |
Maria Trejo, MSW, PLMHP, PCMSW
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Maria is our bilingual Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and Provisionally Licensed Master Social Worker. In 2009, she received her Bachelor’s from University of Kearney, Nebraska. In 2023, she went on to get her Masters of Social Work from University of Nebraska Omaha.She has worked for Grand Island Public Schools for 13 years. She enjoys working with minority groups and with individuals for all ages and offers both in-person and telehealth options in-office and in-schools.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. |
Mikayla Wengler, MSW, PLMHP, PCMSW
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Mikayla is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and a Provisional Licensed Master Social Worker at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. Mikayla has a wide background in healthcare and human services, she has a developed a deep understanding of healthcare systems and the needs of vulnerable populations. She graduated with a Bachelors in healthcare management from Bellevue University in 2014. In December of 2023 Mikayla graduated with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Since obtaining a Master in Social Work degree, she has been able to further enhance her clinical expertise and commitment to helping others navigate life changes. Mikayla's various career paths have allowed her to work with diverse populations, including individuals in hospitals, long term care settings, and working with an agency that provides family support services, as well as agency supported foster care services. This varied experience has equipped her with the skills to provide compassionate and effective therapy to clients from all walks of life with a focus on empathy, resilience, and person-centered care. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. |
Samantha Foote, MSEd, PLMHP
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Samantha Foote is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) and a Provisionally Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (PLADC). She double majored in four years obtaining her Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Counseling from Wayne State College in 2018 following her Masters in Clinical Mental Health in 2021 from Wayne State College as well. Samantha has worked with a wide variety of populations while obtaining her degrees allowing her to broaden her horizons including family support systems, juveniles and adults both in and out of the legal system and also has experience providing mental health services to the geriatric population. She will be offering telehealth services.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. |
Brooke Nelson, MSEd, PLMHP
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Brooke is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) that started with Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic as an intern. Brooke earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May 2020 and her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Drug and Alcohol Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in December 2024. Brooke brings valuable experience having previously worked with children with mental, behavioral, physical, and intellectual disorders/disabilities, as well as with families in need of support services. She is passionate about assisting clients of all ages with a wide range of issues and mental illnesses and offers both in-office and telehealth appointments.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. |
Alysianna Camacho, MSEd, PLMHP
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Aly is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) who graduated from the University of Nebraska – Kearney in December of 2024 with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to that, she graduated with her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of Saint Mary in Kansas in May 2020. Aly has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of populations during her education. She spent two years as a Community Treatment Aid, supporting youth and their families throughout the Tri-City area. She then completed her internship at the VA Hospital’s Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Program (SARRTP) in Grand Island, where she provided individual and group counseling for Veterans who struggled with addiction and mental health. Overall, Aly has experience working with individuals such as adolescents, adults, older adults, Veterans, and families, who may struggle with mental health and addiction issues.
Accepts the following insurances: Ambetter, BCBS, Regional Care Inc, Nebraska Total Care, Molina and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. |
Ashley Schweiger MSW, LIMHP
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Ashley is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Bachelor in Arts from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and her Masters in Social Work at the University of Denver. Ashley has diverse experience in child welfare, foster care, case management, social work in a medical setting, and mental health services. Ashley enjoys working with people of all ages who are experiencing challenges with life transitions, grief, trauma, family conflict, perinatal mental health, depression, and anxiety. Ashley values the unique experiences of each individual and aims to create a safe, trusting space to navigate identified challenges and promote healing and resilience.
Accepts the following insurances: Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare All Savers, BCBS, Aetna, Medica, Midlands Choice, Emerald, UMR, Ambetter, Cigna, Medicare, Health Partners, Regional Care Inc, Mid American Benefits, Meritain Health, Optum and Bright Health. |
Kayla Blomstedt, APRN
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Kayla Blomstedt is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She has been working as a registered nurse for 8 years in intensive care and functional medicine settings. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree in 2020 then went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner Degree from Clarkson College in 2024. Her passion is helping individuals achieve mental wellness by addressing not just symptoms, but the root causes of physiological and psychological imbalances. She has completed additional training in functional medicine and specializes in providing a holistic approach to healthcare while individuals navigate the complexities of mental health with compassion, respect, and evidence-based care.
She provides comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy to children, adolescents, adults. Her approach blends integrative strategies - including nutrition, lifestyle modification, gut-brain health and mind-body practices. With a clinical approach rooted in collaboration, she believes in building trusting relationships and working together to create individualized treatment plans that empower each person toward healing and growth. |
Community Support
Brittanie Simonsen, Community Support Manager/Worker
Interns
Luis Mejia, Therapy Intern, Community Support Worker
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Luis Mejia Jr. is a School Social Worker for Grand Island Public Schools, and has been serving this role for 2 years. He graduated from the University of Nebraska - Kearney, with a Bachelor's Degree in Science in May 2023. Followed by his graduation, Luis is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at University of Nebraska - Omaha, better known as Grace Abbott School of Social Work. He is expected to graduate from Grace Abbott School of Social Work in the Fall of 2025.
Luis has passion and experience with working with the youth from the perspective of working for the public school system. Luis also feels that has the most impact when he gets the opportunity to engage and interact with Teens. In the Summer of 2025, Luis is looking to achieve that engagement and impact through an internship with Grand Island Mental Health. |
Marcos Fregoso Jr, Therapy Intern, Community Support Worker
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Marcos is an Immigration Social Worker with the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement. Marcos is bilingual, he is fluent in English and Spanish. Marcos spent his childhood and teen years in Lexington, NE. In 2021, he graduated from The University of NE at Kearney and is currently attending UNO Grace Abbott School of Social Work. He plans to graduate in May of 2026.
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Alyssa Vaughn, UNO Grace Foundation Intern
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Alyssa Vaughn is an intern at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She will graduate with her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University in the summer of 2025. In 2006, she graduated from Bellevue University with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As a parent to a childhood cancer survivor, she has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges individuals face after a cancer diagnosis. She prides herself on being an advocate for children and families facing a cancer diagnosis, whether through research, fundraising, community organizations, or mental health services.
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Support Staff
Kassidy Paxton,
Admin Assitant, Front Desk Manager |
Aimee Paxton,
Receptionist |
Elly Stull,
Receptionist |
